WHEW THEY FIRST FLOAT.
Th 3 launch of a shi? 'ls a very impressive sight, even to the lanJsman. To sailors, overladen with superstition as many of them are, the first time a vessel takes to tho water is an 1 event surrounded by omens — good, bad, and indifferent. ■■'.- The launching of a large war vessel is usually performed by the wife of a Cabinet Minister or some important personage. All boats are launched stern first, and the lady who is to christen' the ship stands at the bow. First, the sentence, "I name this, ship So-and-so," is spoken, and then.-.as the hull begins to skid down the greased ways a bottle of wine, suspended by cords, is broken over the bow as the cheers and good wishes are given. The.singing of hymns ,is a common practice at the launching of a vessel, and most steamers- in the vicin•ity will join the factory hooters with their syrens in ■ a joyous; din. Clergy often offer up prayers and bless a ship as she makes her first dive from dry land to deep water. Quite recently at a launching a balloon was sent up, from, which descended showers of confetti.
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King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 699, 29 August 1914, Page 2
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198WHEW THEY FIRST FLOAT. King Country Chronicle, Volume VIII, Issue 699, 29 August 1914, Page 2
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